Michigan

The owner of the Texan Family Restaurant on Euclid Avenue is looking to sell the restaurant and evaluate his future plans with his family, but if a deal doesn’t go through that would see a CVS Pharmacy built at the location, he plans to continue operations at the 24-hour restaurant.

BANGOR TOWNSHIP, MI — The owner of the Texan Family Restaurant on Euclid Avenue is looking to sell the restaurant and evaluate his future plans with his family, but if a deal doesn't go through that would see a CVS Pharmacy built at the location, he plans to continue operations at the 24-hour restaurant.

In an interview with The Times, Fred Lutz, who has more than 35 years of restaurant experience and who has owned the Texan since 2008, said he's in a waiting pattern to see if a deal will go through to sell the 45-year-old restaurant and have the third national pharmacy chain go up on Euclid Avenue.

"The ball is in their court," Lutz said. "I'm waiting to see what they're going to do. They got the approvals they needed and I'm just continuing to operate my business because nothing is done until it's done."

Last Month, the Bangor Township Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission approved plans by West Bloomfield-based TVC Construction Services to build a CVS Pharmacy at 101 Euclid Ave., where the Texan, best known for its iconic cowboy sign, is located.

Lutz, 59, said retirement is attractive, but he would weigh all of his options with his family if the restaurant ultimately sold.

"I don't really know what my plans are," he said. "If things do go through, we'll see. If they don't go through, we'll continue to operate. But if it sells, I'd like to take some time with my wife and family and see what direction we might choose to go."

Readers have been passionate about news of the Texan and its possible closure, with many arguing that stretch of Euclid Avenue, which also has a Rite Aid Pharmacy and Walgreen Store and Pharmacy within a half-mile of the property, doesn't need a third chain pharmacy.

• Mlvesx: I won't be using it and I don't personally know anyone else who will either. Big chains keep you waiting and don't treat you as you should be treated.

• Jill: I will continue to be a Monitor Pharmacy customer, regardless of how close it is to this store. This past spring, Monitor Pharmacy staff gave me customer service that is practically unheard of today — I "paid it forward" to someone else as a token of the courtesy given to my family and me.

"I've eaten there twice in the last 15 years," said Scott. "Won't miss the food, but what's going to happen to the sign? I can't picture Euclid Avenue without it."

Not everybody is sad to see the restaurant possible go, however.

"I think this is a good thing because the Texan is becoming run-down and dirty," said Errin. "It had it's time, and now it's time to move on. With the CVS coming in, my family won't have to order our medications through the mail. It will take al to less time now for us to get our meds. I'm thankful it's not becoming a fast food restaurant."

Lutz said he's appreciative of the patrons who have supported his restaurant over the years.

"For now, I hope people will still come in and support us like they've done over the years," he said. "I feel very fortunate that they've helped us and supported us like they have, and I hope they'll continue to do that. Nothing is done until's done, and right now, I have no idea what could happen."